Foreign nationals detained in raids

A NUMBER of foreign nationals were detained in operations conducted by the Law Enforcement Section of the Immigration and National Registration Department (JIPK).

Yesterday’s operation, dubbed ‘Ops Kikis JIPK 99/2014’, was led by the Chief Immigration Officer and involved 18 personnel. It took place at three different rented houses within private buildings at Mukim Pengkalan Batu and Mukim Kilanas from 4.30am to 6.30am.

Two men were apprehended for failing to produce any documents with valid immigration pass during the inspection. In addition, eight special passes were issued to eight foreign nationals, while their passports and ICs were confiscated temporarily and one summon letter was issued to an employer to help the investigation.

On the same day, a man was released after a valid passport and immigration pass was produced to the JIPK, while another man is still in custody for further screening.

On Tuesday, December 16, one foreign national was detained by JIPK in an operation dubbed ‘Ops Kikis JIPK 97/2014’, which was led by the Chief Immigration Officer involving 16 personnel, which took place at six different business premises at Mukim Sengkurong and Gadong area that commenced at 9am.

Officers recording statements of foreigners who have abused their immigration pass

The man was apprehended for failing to produce any documents with a valid immigration pass during the inspection, and five others, including two females were believed to have misused the immigration passes issued to them.

Five special passes were issued to five foreign nationals, while their passports and ICs were confiscated temporarily and four summons letters were issued to the employers to help the investigation.

Meanwhile, on the same day at 3.10pm, two foreign nationals were detained by JIPK in an operation dubbed ‘Ops Kikis JIPK 98/2014’ which was led by the Senior Immigration Officer and involved four personnel, which took place at a construction site at Mukim Gadong.

Following tip-offs from the public, two foreign nationals were caught selling food, beverages and vegetables within the site. A number of cigarette packs were found behind the passengers’ seat without any health warning stickers or logos from respective authorities.

The Royal Customs and Excise Department was informed leading to the confiscation of 14 cartons and 68 packets of various brands of cigarettes, as well as three bottles of booze, presented as evidence.

Two special passes were also issued and two summons letters were issued to the employers to help in the investigation.

Foreign couple caught red-handed for peddling at the construction site

Cigarettes found hidden in a vehicle

As the department explained, the operation was aimed at enforcing the Immigration Act and Regulations, as well as the Passport Act and Regulations.

JIPK reminded employers to ensure the validity of their workers’ immigration passes and to be up to date with their current whereabouts.

If offences related to immigration and passport regulations are committed, foreign workers would be deported to their home countries after being imprisoned and they would be blacklisted, while their employers would have to face legal charges.

Employers were also advised not to employ foreign workers who are not under the sponsorship of their companies.

Towards continuing its enforcement activities, the department invited members of the public to share any information they may have regarding immigration offences, with assurance that their names and information will be kept completely anonymous.

Members of the public can reach the Immigration and National Registration Department via 8734888 and 8753888.